WTF: Under Pressure From Bishop, Anna Maria College Rescinds Invitation to Kennedy’s Widow

Under Pressure From Bishop, Anna Maria College Rescinds Invitation to Kennedy’s Widow

March 30, 2012, 12:54 pm

Anna Maria College, a Roman Catholic institution in Paxton, Mass., has rescinded its invitation to Victoria R. Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, to speak at its May commencement and receive an honorary degree. According to The Boston Globe and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the move followed a complaint from Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, who said Ms. Kennedy was an unacceptable choice because her views in support of gay rights, abortion rights, and contraception insurance defy Catholic teachings.

Ms. Kennedy, who is Catholic, said in a written statement quoted by the newspapers that “I have not met Bishop McManus, nor has he been willing to meet with me to discuss his objections. He has not consulted with my pastor to learn more about me or my faith. Yet by objecting to my appearance at Anna Maria College he has made a judgment about my worthiness as a Catholic.”

In a press release, Anna Maria said that, “as a small, Catholic college that relies heavily on the good will of its relationship with the bishop and the larger Catholic community, its options are limited.” College officials said they had apologized to Ms. Kennedy.

Link: http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/under-pressure-from-bishop-anna-maria-college-rescinds-invitation-to-kennedys-widow/41873